Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin “Benhur’’ Abalos Jr. said Saturday, Dec. 9, that he has offered a P500,000 reward for any information that could lead to the arrest of killers of slain Barangay Poblacion Captain Melinda ‘’Tonet’’ Morillo of Mangaldan, Pangasinan.
In a statement, Abalos stressed that violence has no room in the administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong’’ Marcos Jr., vowing the late barangay official’s family during his visit to Morillo’s wake on Dec. 8 that authorities will do everything so that justice will be served.
“While the police are investigating the incident, I am offering this reward to call on all Pangasinenses and our fellow Filipinos to step forward and be instruments of justice,’’ Abalos stated.
“Your support is also a clear stand and statement against criminals that we will never condone these senseless killings in our country,’’ he added.
Saying that the incident is an isolated case, Abalos reminded all punong barangays and other local officials to promptly report to the local police any concerns about their safety.